Mumbai, July 29: Waris Pathan, spokesperson for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has launched a verbal attack on the central government regarding the ‘Vande Mataram‘ issue and the Anti-Paper Leak Bill. He also criticized the government for the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s comments on protesting students.
Pathan stated that no citizen should be forced to recite ‘Vande Mataram’ and emphasized that the government must fulfill its promises made to students. He mentioned that the party would clarify its final stance after discussing the bill. While AIMIM respects ‘Vande Mataram’, he asserted that making it mandatory contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, which grants every citizen the freedom to practice their religion. He added that respecting the national flag and anthem is a duty for every Indian, and AIMIM honors that.
He expressed pride in being an Indian Muslim and stated that the tricolor represents their honor and dignity. However, he pointed out that certain lines of ‘Vande Mataram’ are not compatible with Muslim beliefs, and thus, it should not be made compulsory. He warned that imposing it through law could create unnecessary tension and hatred in society.
Regarding the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, Pathan argued that merely increasing penalties will not solve the issue. He accused the government of failing to prevent paper leaks despite existing laws. He questioned whether new legislation could bring back the lives of students who committed suicide after paper leaks, affecting millions of futures. He noted that two years ago, a law was enacted, yet paper leaks persisted.
Pathan highlighted that students’ primary demand is to ensure that no examination question papers are leaked in the future and called for effective measures to be put in place. He acknowledged that students expressed their dissent peacefully and constitutionally, prompting the government to consider their demands. However, he criticized the government’s contradictory stance, as students were assured that FIRs against them would be withdrawn while simultaneously receiving notices and facing actions on their social media accounts.
In response to Kangana Ranaut’s comments about the protesting students and Gen Z, Pathan condemned her language, stating it is entirely unacceptable for a public representative. He urged Ranaut to publicly apologize to the students and Gen Z. Such statements only create unnecessary controversy, and responsible language should be used in public life. He affirmed that while everyone has the right to express dissent in a democracy, using derogatory terms against any group or generation is unacceptable.
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